Government Week Information Session and Speed Networking Event

University of Maryland University College’s (UMUC) Office of Career Services team hosted more than 100 attendees both in-person and online during Government Week’s Industry Expert Panel and Speed Networking Session that included representatives from the Office of Veterans Affairs, Office of Personnel Management – Feds Hire Vets Program, and GCubed Technology. The event was hosted at the UMUC Academic Center in Largo and online. The purpose of the event was to inform students and alumni about the various career opportunities, hiring process, and work culture within the federal government and federal contracting sector.

The event began with an interactive industry panel discussion moderated by UMUC Gerontology and Social Sciences Program Chair, Katherine Im. The panelists included EEO and Diversity Management Specialist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Angela James, President and CEO of GCubed Technology Vernon Green, and Director of Veterans Services with the Office of Personnel Management Hakeem Basheerud-Deen. The panel shared information and insight about the culture within their respective agency and what to expect when applying for various career opportunities such as the Federal Pathways Program, internships and full-time positions. The session also included time for questions and answers from the attendees.

“I am in this work because I truly believe in giving back to my community,” said Green. “Having served in the military has taught me the value of serving others.” Green also noted that he has reached out to UMUC because of the cyber talent that the university produces.

Shortly after the panel, various industry experts including the panelists were available at roundtables to network and discuss additional resources within the federal government and contracting arena. The networking component was implemented to also encourage the attendees to meet one another as well as UMUC alumni who work within the federal government to exchange business cards and contact information. Each attendee was provided the opportunity to rotate to various roundtables and meet someone new.

“We’ve identified UMUC as a partner and are very excited about the many ways that we can help UMUC students and alumni transition into careers,” said James. “This event was a huge success for us and we were able to connect with some very talented people.”

If you have any questions about future career events, please call your UMUC Career Services office at 240-684-2720 or careerservices@umuc.edu.

Darren Cox serves as University of Maryland University College’s director of Employer Services. He meets with employers to identify their recruitment needs and works to connect ideal UMUC students and alumni to open positions. Darren has over 14 years experience in the career and workforce development arena in the non-profit, District of Columbia Government and University sectors.